Torch Awards for Ethics
Student Essay 

The Torch Awards for Ethics essay competition is part of an annual award presented by the Center for Character Ethics. It recognizes young people of promise who are committed to upholding ethical stances.

The Better Business Bureau Serving the Snake River Region is proud to announce the Larry Kupiewski Student Ethics Award program. This program recognizes high school students who personify high ethics demonstrated through leadership, community service, overall personal integrity and academic history. Scholarship awards will be presented at the BBB's Torch Awards for Ethics luncheon in Boise, Idaho.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a senior starting fall semester 2014 and residing in southwest Idaho (as far east as Twin Falls) or eastern Oregon. The applicant must have a desire to continue his/her education at an accredited college or university.

Award Guidelines

A selection committee comprised of BBB's advisory council members will select two (2) students to receive a one-time scholarship of $1,000 each from the first 250 applicants received before the deadline. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on leadership, contributions to their communities and schools, personal integrity, academic accomplishments, and written essays. The funds will be distributed directly to the school upon verification of the student's college enrollment. The scholarship must be applied toward school related expenses including: tuition, books, room and/or board, or other related items. The scholarship must be used within four years of receiving the award.

Deadline

The official deadline for submitting entries is Oct. 7, 2014. Completed application packet (electronic or mailed) must be received at the BBB office by this date. Any application packets received after 5 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2014, or that do not have all requested items will be disqualified.

Criteria

The criteria for each award includes: Leadership - 20%; Community service - 20%; Academic - 30%; and Essay - 30%. Students should demonstrate their commitment to high ethical behavior and provide documentation in the following areas:

• Leadership – Describe any extracurricular, work or school related activities. Include awards/honors or offices held.
• Community service – Describe activities outsdie of school and within your community, such as community or church related activities. Include awards/honors or offices held.
• Academic – Enclose a copy of your most recent transcript, SAT or ACT scores. If a student has not taken their ACT or SAT tests, your high school transcripts will work with a note about test not currently completed.
               – describe your post secondary plans
               – describe awards received relating to your academic achievement

• Essay – Write a concise essay (500 words) on your response to the question: What do the words "ethics" and "integrity" mean to you? Why are they important to you?

The response to the essay question should be on one 8.5" x 11" paper mailed, emailed, or submitted below. Entries must include a completed entry form and three (3) letters of recommendation (300 words); e.g. school official, employer, church or community leaders. Supporting materials – transcripts, ACT or SAT tests, photographs or drawings – can be submitted by email (pdf preferred) to cce.boise.bbb.org as follows: lastname.highschool. Supporting documentation should be submitted on 8.5" x 11" paper, if mailed.

Procedure

Fill out electronic application, email,  or mail completed application to:

Jill Ackerman
Better Business Bureau serving the Snake River Region
PO Box 9817
Boise, ID 83706

For PDF submission

For PDF application submissions clck here.

Apply Now! 

Submissions become the property of the Better Business Bureau serving the Snake River Region and cannot be returned. Please keep a copy of the Torch Awards for Ethics Essay entry form for your records.

Contact information

If you have further questions, call Jill Ackerman, (208) 947-2110 OR write jackerman@boise.bbb.org. The official deadline for submitting entries is Oct. 7, 2014. Completed application packet (electronic or mailed) must be received at the BBB office by this date. Any application packets received after 5 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2014, or that do not have all requested items will be disqualified.